Mexican priest Marcial Marciel Degollado has been asked by the Vatican to retire, after allegations of sexual abuse.
Pope Benedict XVI told the priest to lay down his priesthood and retire to a life of prayer and penance.
Marcial Marciel Degollado, 86, founder of the Legion of Christ order, was accused of sexual abuse by at least nine men, who said they were abused when they were young seminarians, between the ages of 10 and 16.
Although the Vatican did not address the accusations, it is the first time a priest accused of sexual abuse has been asked to step down by the Roman Catholic Church.
Many have applauded the new course the Vatican has taken with regards to sexual abuse by their priests. Pope John Paul II never asked any priest to step down after allegations of misconduct, many remain in active ministry even after allegations have been proven to be true.
Father Marciel has maintained his innocence, but has chosen not to defend himself, “following the teachings of Christ”.
The priest will not be subject to an inquiry, according to the Vatican, due to his old age and frail health.
